Hi-Tek Talks G-Unit, New LP & Politics Of The Business

With Hi-Tek's highly-anticipated sophomore album, Hi-Teknology 2, hitting stores next week, we caught up with the Cincinnati producer to discuss labels and his new album.

It's been four years since Tek released his critically-acclaimed solo debut, Hi-Teknology. Since then, he has graduated from the underground's favorite to working with G-Unit, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes and Dr. Dre. But why did Tek's follow-up take so long?

"I got an artist [Jonnell] signed to Def Jam," Tek said. "To me in my mind, I'm strategizing like...if I come out with an R&B record produced by me and drop a Hi-Teknology album, I'ma be over the top, like that was my shit."

"We finished the Jonnell record, but by the time we finished Def Jam was falling apart and at the same time we didn't have a "Round and Round" record, which was the hot single for her," Tekzilla added. "Kevin Liles, [Ed's note: Liles left Def Jam for Warner Music Group] he quit, which was around the same time MCA folded, I had two years worth of music gone."

With guest appearances from The Game, Busta Rhymes, Common, Nas, Talib Kweli, Ghostface, Q-Tip and many others, Hi-Teknology's second volume may just be worth the wait. Yet, one thing stands out. Though Tek has extensively been working with the G-Unit/Aftermath camp the last few years, there's not a single G-Unit appearance on the LP.

"I just think due to timing. I definitely reached out. I really wanted Young Buck for the album, but he really kinda trying to wrap his album. So the timing didn't allow that," Tek explained. "It's still love, Sha Money is my man. [Ed's note: Tek is on Young Buck's new album] We go way back. It ain't no love lost just so it's cleared up. I just wanted to let him know. The only thing missing is that G-Unit presence on the album. I really wanted to have somebody from G-Unit represent on the album."